Monitoring system for an archery bow, monitoring devices, and methods for same

ABSTRACT

A cam assembly for an archery bow is provided. The cam assembly includes a cam body and an anchoring lug. The cam body defines a pivot axis and a groove circumferentially routed at least partially around the pivot axis. The anchoring lug is coupled with the cam body and includes a force sensor. The anchoring lug is offset from the pivot axis and is configured to facilitate attachment of a bow cord thereto. The force sensor is configured to facilitate detection of a tension on the bow cord as a function of a force imparted to the force sensor from the bow cord. An archery bow is also provided.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/362,882, entitled Monitoring System for an Archery Bow, MonitoringDevices, and Methods for Same, filed Mar. 25, 2019 which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/848,406, entitledMonitoring System for an Archery Bow, Monitoring Devices, and Methodsfor Same, filed Dec. 20, 2017, which claims priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/436,869, entitled Monitoring System foran Archery Bow, Monitoring Devices, and Methods for Same, filed Dec. 20,2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/476,216,entitled Monitoring System for an Archery Bow, Monitoring Devices, andMethods for Same, filed Mar. 24, 2017, and hereby incorporates thesepatent applications by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus and methods described below generally relate to an archerybow having at least one monitoring device for detecting operatingconditions of the archery bow. Data from the monitoring device(s) isdisplayed to a user on a computing device.

BACKGROUND

When an archer shoots an arrow with an archery bow there are manydifferent operating conditions that can affect the accuracy and/or theintegrity of the bow.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a cam assembly for an archery bow isprovided. The cam assembly comprises a cam body and an anchoring lug.The cam body defines a pivot axis and a groove circumferentially routedat least partially around the pivot axis. The anchoring lug is coupledwith the cam body and comprises a force sensor. The anchoring lug isoffset from the pivot axis and is configured to facilitate attachment ofa bow cord thereto. The force sensor is configured to detect a tensionon the bow cord.

In accordance with another embodiment, an archery bow comprises a limbattachment member, a pair of bow limbs, a cam assembly, and a bow cord.Each bow limb of the pair of bow limbs comprises a proximal end and adistal end. The proximal end of each bow limb of the pair of bow limbsis coupled with the limb attachment member. The cam assembly ispivotally coupled with the one of the distal ends of the bow limbs. Thecam assembly comprises a cam body and an anchoring lug. The cam bodydefines a pivot axis and a groove circumferentially routed at leastpartially around the pivot axis. The anchoring lug is coupled with thecam body and comprises a force sensor. The anchoring lug is offset fromthe pivot axis. The bow cord is coupled with the anchoring lug and isrouted along the groove of the cam body. The force sensor is configuredto detect a tension on the bow cord.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a cam assembly for an archerybow is provided. The cam assembly comprises a cam body and an anchoringlug. The cam body comprises a central portion, an outer ring, a webmember, and a strain sensor. The central portion defines a pivot axis.The outer ring portion defines a groove circumferentially routed atleast partially around the pivot axis. The web member extends betweenthe central portion and the outer ring portion. The strain sensor isdisposed on the web member and is configured to detect a tension on abow cord from the web member. The anchoring lug is coupled with the cambody and is offset from the pivot axis. The anchoring lug is configuredto facilitate attachment of a bow cord thereto.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, an archery bowcomprises a limb attachment member, a pair of bow limbs, a cam assembly,and a bow cord. Each bow limb of the pair of bow limbs comprises aproximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each bow limb of thepair of bow limbs is coupled with the limb attachment member. The camassembly is pivotally coupled with the one of the distal ends of the bowlimbs. The cam assembly comprises a cam body and an anchoring lug. Thecam body comprises a central portion, an outer ring, a web member, and aforce sensor. The central portion defines a pivot axis. The outer ringportion defines a groove circumferentially routed at least partiallyaround the pivot axis. The web member extends between the centralportion and the outer ring portion. The force sensor is disposed on theweb member. The anchoring lug is coupled with the cam body and is offsetfrom the pivot axis. The bow cord is coupled with the anchoring lug andis routed along the groove of the outer ring portion. The force sensoris configured to detect a tension on the bow cord from the web member.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, an anchoring lug for acam assembly of an archery bow is provided. The anchoring lug comprisesan anchor member, a pair of bellows members, an outer shroud, and aforce sensor. Each bellows member of the pair of bellows memberscomprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion thatextends between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end ofeach bellows member is coupled with the anchor member. The outer shroudis coupled with the distal end of each bellows member of the pair ofbellows members. The flexible portion of each of bellows member isselectively deformable such that the outer shroud is slidable withrespect to the anchor member. The force sensor is associated with one ofthe anchor member, the outer shroud, and at least one of the bellowsmembers and is configured to detect tension imparted to the anchoringlug based upon a position of the outer shroud relative to the anchormember.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a cam assembly for anarchery bow is provided. The cam assembly comprises a cam body, amonitoring device, and a wireless communication module. The cam bodydefines a pivot axis and a groove circumferentially routed at leastpartially around the pivot axis. The monitoring device is configured todetect an operating condition of the cam assembly. The wirelesscommunication module is in communication with the monitoring device andis configured to wirelessly transmit data from the monitoring device toa remote source.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, an archery bowcomprises a limb attachment member, a pair of bow limbs, a cam assembly,and a bow cord. Each bow limb of the pair of bow limbs comprises aproximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each bow limb of thepair of bow limbs is coupled with the limb attachment member. The camassembly is pivotally coupled with the one of the distal ends of the bowlimbs. The cam assembly comprises a cam body, an anchoring lug, amonitoring device, and a wireless communication module. The cam bodydefines a pivot axis and a groove circumferentially routed at leastpartially around the pivot axis. The anchoring lug is coupled with thecam body and is offset from the pivot axis. The monitoring device isconfigured to detect an operating condition of the cam assembly. Thewireless communication module is in communication with the monitoringdevice and is configured to wirelessly transmit data from the monitoringdevice to a remote source. The bow cord is coupled with the anchoringlug and is routed along the groove of the cam body.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a limb assembly for anarchery bow is provided. The limb assembly comprises a bow limb and amonitoring device. The bow limb comprises a proximal end and a distalend. The distal end is configured to support a cam assembly and theproximal end is configured for attachment to a limb attachment member.The monitoring device is embedded in the bow limb and is configured todetect an operating condition of the limb assembly.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, an archery bowcomprises a limb attachment member, a pair of bow limbs, and amonitoring device. Each bow limb of the pair of bow limbs comprises aproximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each bow limb of thepair of bow limbs is coupled with the limb attachment member. Themonitoring device is embedded in one of the bow limbs and is configuredto detect an operating condition of the bow limb.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a limb attachmentassembly for an archery bow is provided. The limb attachment assemblycomprises a limb attachment member and a monitoring device. The limbattachment member comprises a first end and a second end. Each of thefirst end and the second end is configured to support a bow limb. Themonitoring device is embedded in the limb attachment member and isconfigured to detect an operating condition of the limb attachmentmember.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, an archery bowcomprises a limb attachment member, a pair of bow limbs and a monitoringdevice. Each bow limb of the pair of bow limbs comprises a proximal endand a distal end. The proximal end of each bow limb of the pair of bowlimbs is coupled with the limb attachment member. The monitoring deviceis embedded in the limb attachment member and is configured to detect anoperating condition of the limb attachment member.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a method for diagnosingan abnormality of an archery bow is provided. The method comprisesdetecting an operating condition of the archery bow from at least oneonboard monitoring device of the archery bow, and comparing theoperating condition to a threshold operating condition. The methodfurther comprises identifying an abnormal condition based upon thecomparing of the operating condition to the threshold operatingcondition, and presenting the abnormal condition to a user on a remotecomputing device.

In accordance with still yet another embodiment, a non-transitorycomputer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which whenexecuted by a processor cause the processor to detect an operatingcondition of an archery bow from at least one onboard monitoring deviceof the archery bow, and compare the operating condition to a thresholdoperating condition. The instructions further cause the processor toidentify an abnormal condition based upon the comparing of the operatingcondition to the threshold operating condition, and present the abnormalcondition to a user on a remote computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to thefollowing description, appended claims and accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a crossbow having variousmonitoring devices in communication with a smartphone, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of different graphical user interfaces displayedon the smart phone of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a crossbow that includes a pair of camassemblies, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view depicting one of the cam assembliesof FIG. 3 in association with a bow limb;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded upper isometric view depicting the camassembly of FIG. 4 with the bow limb removed for clarity ofillustration;

FIG. 6 is a lower isometric view depicting the cam assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view depicting an anchoring lug of the camassembly of FIG. 4 with the rest of the cam assembly removed for clarityof illustration;

FIG. 8 is a plan view depicting the anchoring lug of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the monitoring devices and power supply ofthe cam assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view depicting a cam assembly in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a compound bow that includesvarious monitoring devices in communication with a smartphone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with theviews and examples of FIGS. 1-11, wherein like numbers indicate the sameor corresponding elements throughout the views. A crossbow 10 inaccordance with one embodiment is generally depicted in FIG. 1. Thecrossbow 10 can include a stock 12, a riser 13, and a pair of bow limbs14. In one embodiment, each of the bow limbs 14 can be formed of a fiberreinforced plastic (FRP) material. Each of the bow limbs 14 can includea proximal end 16 and a distal end 18. The riser 13 can be disposed at afront end 20 of the stock 12 of the crossbow 10.

Each of the proximal ends 16 of the bow limbs 14 can be configured forattachment to the riser 13. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1,the proximal ends 16 can be selectively attached to the riser 13 by arespective clamping assembly 22. Each of the distal ends 18 of the bowlimbs 14 can be configured to support a respective cam assembly 23. Eachof the cam assemblies 23 can be pivotally coupled to one of the distalends 18 of the bow limbs 14 by a pin 25 such that the cam assemblies 23are each pivotable about a respective pivot axis A1. A bow string 26 canbe attached to each of the cam assemblies 23 at an anchoring lug 28 (oneshown) and routed along the cam assemblies 23 such that a portion of thebow string 26 is disposed between the cam assemblies 23. When the bowstring 26 is pulled from a relaxed position (shown in FIG. 1) and into afiring position (not shown), the distal ends 18 of the bow limb 14 canbe pulled towards each other and the cam assemblies 23 cansimultaneously pivot with respect to the bow limbs 14. When the bowstring 26 is in the firing position, it can be engaged with a latch 29to facilitate selective firing of an arrow (not shown) from the stock12. The crossbow 10 can also include a pair of bow cables 31 that areeach coupled with one of the cam assemblies 23 and with the pin 25 onthe opposite bow limb 14. When the bow string 26 is pulled from arelaxed position (shown in FIG. 1) and into a firing position (notshown), each of the bow cables 31 can be partially wound onto one of thecam assemblies 23 to impart tension onto the cam assemblies 23 thatfacilitates firing of the arrow (not shown) when the bow string 26 isreleased from the firing position.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the crossbow 10 can include a strain gage 32that is provided on at least one of the bow limbs 14 and configured todetect the strain on the bow limb(s) 14. In one embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the strain gage 32 can be embedded in one of thebow limbs 14 such that an outer surface 34 of the bow limb 14 overliesthe strain gage 32 and thus conceals the strain gage 32 from plainsight. In such an embodiment, the strain gage 32 can comprise a wirethat is configured to detect strain on the bow limb(s) 14 based upon theelongation of the wire when the associated bow limb 14 is flexed. It isto be appreciated that the strain gage 32 can additionally oralternatively be mounted anywhere along the bow limb(s) 14 thatfacilitates measurement of the strain on the bow limb(s). The straingage 32 can be powered by an onboard power source (not shown) which can,in some embodiments, comprise a power storage device (not shown) mountedin the riser 13 or other suitable location. The power storage device canbe a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor or anyof a variety of suitable alternative power storage arrangements. Arechargeable battery pack can be recharged through any of a variety ofpower sources, such as a wall plug, a solar panel, or energy harvestedduring retraction and/or firing of the bow string 26.

The strain gage 32 can be communicatively coupled to a computing device(e.g., either wirelessly or with wires) and can transmit strain data tothe computing device, as will be described in more detail below. In oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the computing device cancomprise a smartphone 36 (e.g., an iOS or Android device) that has anapplication loaded thereon that is configured to analyze the strain datafrom the strain gage 32 and present various information to a userthrough the application. It is to be appreciated that any of a varietyof suitable alternative computing devices are contemplated, such as, forexample, a personal computer, a laptop, or a tablet.

The strain gage 32 can be installed on the crossbow 10 duringmanufacturing or alternatively added to the crossbow 10 as anaftermarket component. Prior to installation of the bow string 26 on thebow limbs 14, the bow limbs 14 can be in a fully relaxed state such thatthe strain on the bow limbs 14 and the strain gage 32 is nominal (e.g.,zero). When the bow string 26 is attached to the distal ends 18 of thebow limbs 14 and routed around the cam assemblies 23, and prior topulling the bow string 26 towards the latch 29, the bow limbs 14 can bein a partially flexed position (e.g., a released position or a restposition). When the bow limbs 14 are in the partially flexed position,the strain measured by the strain gage 32 can be understood to be thebaseline strain amount (e.g., tare) from which further strain amountscan be compared. After the bow is strung any variation in this baselinestrain value can indicate physical changes to the crossbow 10 such as,for example, string creep, string damage, limb damage or some other formof damage or deformation to a component or accessory of the crossbow 10.These variations can trigger a warning that is presented to the user viathe application on the smartphone or via another notification method.

When the bow string 26 is pulled into engagement with the latch 29 toprepare to fire the arrow (e.g., full draw position), the bow limbs 14can be moved to a fully flexed position (e.g., a cocked position) andthe strain measured by the strain gage 32 can be compared to thebaseline strain amount and registered (e.g., in the application) as afull draw strain amount. The time to reach full draw and the time heldat full draw can also be stored on the application and recalled by theuser (e.g., when viewing various statistics related to the user's use ofthe crossbow 10). In one embodiment, the application can record andgenerate shot-to-shot statistics for the crossbow 10 for its entireuseful life. Each shot from the crossbow 10 can be assigned to differentarchers to allow for shot-to-shot comparisons among archers (e.g., forcompetition). In one embodiment, the strain gage 32 can be selectivelypowered such that power from the power source is only provided to powerthe strain gage 32 during measurement of the strain characteristics onthe crossbow 10. This can prolong the availability of any power storedin the power storage device.

Once the bow string 26 is pulled into the full draw position, the strainvalue can be used to calculate the kinetic energy for that particularshot. At full draw position, the strain value can vary by small amountsfor the crossbow 10 but greater amounts for other archery bows (e.g.,recurve bows). In one embodiment, various physical parameters of thearrow (e.g., the weight of the particular arrow/bolt being used and theweight of the broadhead/arrowhead) can be preloaded into the applicationto facilitate more accurate calculation of the kinetic energy. This canencourage arrow and arrowhead manufacturers to submit their equipmentfor inclusion in an application hardware look-up table which the usercan select from.

In one embodiment, the calculated kinetic energy and the physicalparameters of the arrow can be used to calculate a theoretical exitvelocity for the arrow. The theoretical exit velocity can be displayedto the user via the application as a ‘theoretical’ shot statistic. Oncethe actual shot is taken, the rate of change of strain (first derivativeof the strain signal) for the length of travel can be obtained from thestrain gage 32 and used to calculate (via the application) the actualexit velocity which can be displayed to the user. The difference betweenthe theoretical exit velocity and the actual exit velocity can represent‘losses’ in the equipment setup. In one embodiment, calculating thetheoretical exit velocity can include monitoring the strain data (e.g.,strain signal) from the strain gage 32 during drawing of the arrow (fromthe released position to the full draw position) and through strainreversal—the moment after the arrow is fired when the bow limbs 14‘over-travel.’ The duration of the strain reversal can indicate thetravel time and/or travel rate of the bow string 26 (within a fewmillisecond accuracy) as it is pushing the arrow. The duration of thestrain reversal can be impacted by the physical parameters of the arrow.

It is to be appreciated that strain reversal can facilitate detection ofa “dry fire” (releasing the string on a bow without an arrow or bolt) ofthe crossbow 10 which can be dangerous and can result in damage to thebow limbs 14. If the crossbow 10 is dry-fired, the strain reversalreading can be recorded and can be used by a manufacturer or otherwarranty provider to evaluate a warranty claim. It is to be appreciatedthat various other information from sensors on the crossbow 10 can beavailable to a manufacturer and/or other third parties for use introubleshooting, product improvement, or any of a variety of other uses.

The strain data from the strain gage 32 can also be used to determinethe overall integrity of the crossbow 10. For example, each time thecrossbow 10 is fired the strain data (e.g., dynamic strain signal) fromthe strain gage 32 can be provided to the application and compared tothe strain data for other fires of the crossbow 10 (e.g., an averagefire data) stored in memory. If there is a significant divergence of thestrain data from the average fire data, it might indicate a problem withthe integrity of the crossbow 10 (e.g., general and, where possible,specific attributes of bow health), and, when appropriate, mightgenerate a warning to the user via the application.

It is to be appreciated that although a strain gage is described above,any of a variety of suitable alternative strain sensors can beimplemented on the bow limb(s) 14 and configured to detect a strain onthe bow limb(s) 14, such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor, acapacitive sensor, or a resistive sensor.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the crossbow 10 can include an accelerometer38 disposed in the riser 13 and configured to detect the movement of thecrossbow 10 in three axial directions. The accelerometer 38 can bepowered by the same onboard power source used to power the strain gage32 or can alternatively be powered from a different onboard powersource. In one embodiment, the accelerometer 38 can be passively poweredsuch that power from the power source is only provided to power theaccelerometer 38 during measurement of the acceleration characteristicson the crossbow 10.

The accelerometer 38 can be communicatively coupled to the computingdevice (e.g., either wirelessly or with wires) and can transmitacceleration data to the computing device. The acceleration data fromthe accelerometer 38 can be used to detect the release of the bow string26 and arrow and can be used as a back-up comparison to calculate stringtravel time (e.g., to calculate arrow velocity). The accelerometer 38can also provide an additional or alternative data source to facilitatedetection of dry fire as well as bow health. It is to be appreciatedthat the strain gage 32 and the accelerometer 38 can cooperate tofacilitate diagnosis of health related issues by comparing shot-to-shotdynamics as well as comparisons to threshold levels stored on theapplication that have been created/discovered during research,development, and manufacture of the crossbow 10.

The accelerometer 38 can also be used to detect undesired motion of thecrossbow 10 when the crossbow 10 is being aimed at a target. Thisundesired motion can be indicated to the user (e.g., substantially inreal-time) via the application to improve the overall accuracy and shotstability for the user. The movement of the crossbow 10 during a shotcan also be recorded by the application and reported to a user ashistorical data for coaching and encouragement.

It is to be appreciated that although an accelerometer is describedabove, any of a variety of suitable alternative inertial motion units(IMU) can be implemented on the bow limb(s) 14 and configured to detecta motion of the bow limb(s) 14, such as, for example, a gyroscope, amagnetometer, or an inclinometer.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the crossbow 10 can include a camera 40(e.g., a CCD camera) disposed in the riser 13 and configured to recorduse of the crossbow 10 (e.g., during preparation for a shot, during theshot, and/or after the shot). The camera 40 can be powered by theonboard power source (not shown) and can be communicatively coupled to acomputing device (e.g., either wirelessly or with wires) to transmitpicture data and/or video data to the computing device. In oneembodiment, the application can display sight tapes on the smartphone 36for aiming at a target in real time.

It is to be appreciated that any of a variety of suitable additional oralternative monitoring devices for detecting certain operatingconditions are contemplated for the crossbow 10, such as, for example,pressure transducers, displacement transducers for communicating data toa smartphone, a global positioning system (GPS) unit, or other computingdevice that facilitates analysis of the use of the crossbow 10, such as,for example, shot statistics, bow health, string creep, dry firedetection, draw variability and draw rate. This data can be communicated(either wirelessly or via wires) to the computing device and/or can bedownloaded to an onboard memory device (not shown) on the crossbow 10.These monitoring devices can be placed on or embedded within the bowlimbs 14, the riser 13, the cam assemblies 23 and/or other suitablelocation that facilitates monitoring of a parameter of interest. It isalso to be appreciated that the data from these monitoring devices canbe processed and displayed to a user in an easy to read format (e.g., onthe smart phone) or can be additionally or alternatively displayed asraw data and/or an output signal.

Now referring to FIG. 2, various examples of different graphical userinterfaces (GUIs) 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, are illustrated. These graphicaluser interfaces can be generated by the application and can beconfigured to display different types of information to a user basedupon the data received from the monitoring devices (e.g., the straingage 32, the accelerometer 38, and the camera 40) in a user friendlyformat. The information presented by the different GUIs can becustomizable to present any type of information selected by amanufacturer, a user, or other third party.

An alternative embodiment of a crossbow 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-8and can be similar to or the same as, in many respects as the crossbow10 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the crossbow 110 can include apair of cam assemblies 123, 124 that are each pivotally attached to arespective distal end 118 of one of the bow limbs 114. The cam assembly124, however, can include at least one monitoring device that isconfigured to facilitate detection of an operating condition of thecrossbow 110 (e.g., a “smart cam”), as will be described in furtherdetail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cam assembly 124 can include astring cam body 144 that includes a central portion 146, an outer ringportion 148, and a plurality of web members 150 that extend between thecentral portion 146 and the outer ring portion 148. The central portion146 can define an aperture 152 (FIG. 5) that defines a pivot axis A2(FIG. 4) for the cam assembly 124. In particular, a pin 125 can beprovided through the aperture 152 to facilitate pivotal coupling of thecam assembly 124 to the bow limb 114. The outer ring portion 148 candefine a groove 154 that is circumferentially routed around the pivotaxis A2 and is configured to facilitate routing of a bow string 126around the string cam body 144.

The cam assembly 124 can also include an anchoring lug 156 that iscoupled with the string cam body 144 and is offset from the pivot axisA2. The anchoring lug 156 can be configured to facilitate attachment ofa bow string 126 (FIG. 4) to the string cam body 144. In one embodiment,the string cam body 144 can define a receptacle 158. The anchoring lug156 can be disposed in the receptacle 158 such that the anchoring lug156 is substantially aligned (e.g., in substantially the same plane)with the groove 154.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the cam assembly 124 can include a cable cambody 160 that is rigidly coupled with the string cam body 144 anddefines a groove 161 that is circumferentially routed around the pivotaxis A2 (FIG. 4) and is configured to facilitate routing of a bow cable131 (FIG. 3) around the cable cam body 160. An anchoring lug 162 can becoupled with the cable cam body 160 and can be configured to facilitateattachment of a bow cable 131 to the cable cam body 160.

The anchoring lug 156 for the bow string 126 can be configured as astring tension sensor that is configured to detect the tension on anassociated bow string (e.g., 126). Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, theanchoring lug 156 can comprise an anchor member 163 and an outer shroud164. In one embodiment, the anchor member 163 can define a pair ofapertures 165 that are each configured to receive a respective fastener(not shown) that facilitates coupling of the anchor member 163 to thestring cam body 144. The anchor member 163 can, however, be attached tothe string cam body 144 in any of a variety of suitable alternativemanners, such as through welding, with adhesive, or integrally formedtogether with the string cam body 144.

The outer shroud 164 can define an outer groove 166 that is configuredto facilitate routing of the bow string 126 around the outer shroud 164.The outer shroud 164 can also include a pair of arm members 168 that areeach tapered towards the anchor member 163 such that the outer shroud164 is substantially tear drop shaped. In an alternative embodiment, theouter shroud 164 can be substantially circular shaped.

The outer shroud 164 can be slidably coupled with the anchor member 163such that the outer shroud 164 is slidable with respect to the anchormember 163. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, theanchoring lug 156 can include a pair of bellows members 170 thatfacilitate slidable coupling of the outer shroud 164 with the anchormember 163. Each bellows member 170 can include a proximal end 172, adistal end 174, and a flexible portion 176 that extends between theproximal end 172 and the distal end 174. The proximal end 172 of eachbellows member 170 can be coupled with the anchor member 163 and thedistal end 174 of each bellows member 170 can be coupled with the outershroud 164. The anchor member 163 and the bellows members 170 can beinterposed between the arm members 168 and spaced from the arm members168 to allow the outer shroud 164 to slide with respect to the anchormember 163.

The flexible portions 176 can be selectively deformable to allow forsliding of the outer shroud 164 relative to the anchor member 163. Inone embodiment, the flexible portions 176 can be substantially S-shaped.The flexible portions 176 can be formed of a resilient material that canfacilitate a return of the outer shroud 164 to an original positionafter deformation of the flexible portions 176 has occurred. Forexample, when a bow string 126 is secured to the anchoring lug 156(e.g., routed around the outer shroud 164), as illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, and tension on the bow string 126 increases (in the direction ofthe arrow T) (e.g., when the bow string 126 is pulled from a relaxedposition to a firing position), the increased tension can cause theflexible portions 176 to deform which can allow the outer shroud 164 toslide towards the anchor member 163. When the tension on the bow string126 decreases (opposite the direction of the arrow T) (e.g., (e.g., whenthe bow string 126 is release from the firing position to the relaxedposition), the decreased tension can allow the flexible portions 176 toreturn to a non-deformed state which can cause the outer shroud 164 toslide away from the anchor member 163.

Still referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the anchoring lug 156 can include astrain gage 178 that is disposed on one of the flexible portions 176 ofthe bellows members 170. The strain gage 178 can facilitate detection ofthe deflection or deformation of the flexible portion 176 when the outershroud 164 moves relative to the anchor member 163 in response to achange in tension on the bow string 126. In particular, when the outershroud 164 slides relative to the anchor member 163, the strain gage 178can measure the tension on the bow string 126 as a function of thedeflection or deformation of the flexible portion 176 of the bellowsmember 170. For example, the greater the outer shroud 164 slidesrelative to the anchor member 163, the greater the bellows member 170deflects or deforms which can indicate a greater amount of tension onthe bow string 126. In one embodiment, the anchor member 163, the outershroud 164, and the bellows members 170 can cooperate to define acompartment 180, and the strain gage 178 can be disposed in thecompartment 180. In other embodiments, however, the strain gage 178 canbe associated with the bellows members 170 in any of a variety ofsuitable alternative locations on the anchoring lug 156 that facilitatesdetection of a tension on the bow string 126 from the anchoring lug 156.For example, in an alternative embodiment, the anchoring lug 156 caninclude a pair of strain gages (e.g., 178) that are each provided ondifferent ones of the flexible portions 176. In another alternativeembodiment, the strain gage 178 can extend between and contact each ofthe outer shroud 164 and the anchor member 163.

It is to be appreciated that, although a strain gage is described aboveto measure the strain produced in the bellows members 170, any of avariety of suitable additional or alternative force sensors can beimplemented in an anchoring lug to detect a tension on an associated bowstring, such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a capacitive sensor,or a resistive sensor which can, in some embodiments, extend between theanchor member 163 and the outer shroud 164, to measure the change in thegap between the anchor member 163 and the outer shroud 164. It is alsoto be appreciated that the anchoring lug 156 can be configured tofacilitate attachment of other bow cords to a cam body. For example, theanchoring lug 156 can be provided on the cable cam body 160 in lieu ofthe anchoring lug 162 such that the tension of the bow cable 131 can bedetected.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, the cam assembly 124 can also include acam rotation sensor 182 and an IMU 184. The cam rotation sensor 182 canbe configured to measure the rotational and/or linear position of thecam assembly 124 (e.g., at rest and/or during a firing event). In oneembodiment, the cam rotation sensor 182 can comprise an optical sensoror an encoder. The IMU 184 can be configured to measure thethree-dimensional motion and/or the angular rate of the archery bow. Inone embodiment, the IMU 184 can comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope,a magnetometer, or an inclinometer or a combination thereof.

The strain gage 178, the cam rotation sensor 182 and the IMU 184 can bein communication with a controller 186 and can be configured tocommunicate tension data, position data, and motion data, respectively,(collectively “sensor data) to the controller 186. As will be describedin further detail below, the sensor data from each of the strain gage178, the cam rotation sensor 182, and the IMU 184, as well as data fromother sensors on the bow (e.g., a strain gage mounted on the bow limb 14and a GPS unit) (collectively “the onboard monitoring devices”) can becommunicated to the controller 186 for use in analyzing and presentingvarious operational characteristics of the archery bow. The controller186 can include a processor (not shown) and can be in communication witha memory 188 that supports the operation of the controller 186. It is tobe appreciated that, as described above, any of a variety of suitableadditional or alternative monitoring devices are contemplated for anarchery bow.

The cam assembly 124 can also include a wireless communication module190 that is in communication with the controller 186 and facilitateswireless communication (via antenna 191 (FIG. 9)) with a remotecomputing device such as a smartphone (e.g., 36). In particular, thecontroller 186 can be configured to transmit sensor data from themonitoring devices to the wireless communication module 190, which can,in turn, transmit the sensor data to the remote computing device. Theremote computing device can have an application loaded thereon that isconfigured to present the sensor data from the onboard monitoringdevices to a user. The wireless communication module 190 can be enabledto communicate over any of a variety of suitable wireless protocols suchas, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. In some embodiments, thecam assembly 124 can be configured to communicate via a wiredconnection, in lieu of or in addition to the wireless communicationmodule 190, such as via a USB cable.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the cam assembly 124 can include a powersupply 192 that facilitates powering of the onboard monitoring devices,the controller 186, and wireless communication module 190. The powersupply 192 can include a power storage device 194, a power controller195, a power regulator module 196, and a power input 197. The powerstorage device 194 can be in communication with the power controller 195which is in communication with the power regulator module 196. The powercontroller 195 and the power regulator module 196 can cooperate toregulate and control the power delivered from the power storage device194 to each of the onboard monitoring devices, the controller 186, andwireless communication module 190. The power controller 195 can also beconfigured to facilitate management of the charging and overall functionof the power storage device 194. In particular, the power controller 195can regulate the delivery of power to the power storage device 194 tofacilitate charging of the power storage device 194 and preventexcessive power from being delivered to the power storage device 194. Inone embodiment, the power controller 195 can communicate with the powerstorage device 194 to facilitate effective delivery of powerthereto/therefrom.

The power storage device 194 can be a rechargeable storage device, suchas a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery) orsupercapacitor. The power input 197 can be in communication with thepower storage device 194 and can facilitate selective charging of thepower storage device 194. In one embodiment, the power input 197 cancomprise a plug that is configured to receive input power from a powercord, such as a wall plug or a USB cable, for example. In otherembodiments, the power input can comprise a solar array, an inductivepower source, and/or an energy harvesting device (e.g., thatharvests/scavenges power from the motion of the cam assembly 124 orbow). During charging of the power storage device 194 from the powerinput 197, the power controller 195 can regulate and control thecharging power delivered to the power storage device 194 to facilitateeffective charging of the power storage device 194. In an alternativeembodiment, the power storage device 194 can comprise a single usebattery that can be selectively replaced (e.g., when depleted). In suchan embodiment, the cam assembly 124 can be devoid of the power input197.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the cam assembly 124 can include a covermember 198 that can selectively overlie and protect each of the straingage 178, the cam rotation sensor 182, the IMU 184, the controller 186,the memory 188, the wireless communication module 190, and the powersupply 192 from exposure to harmful environmental conditions such asdirt and water, for example.

It is to be appreciated that, although the cam assembly 124 is shown anddescribed as being provided on a right side of the crossbow 110, the camassembly 124 can additionally or alternatively provided on the rightside of the crossbow 110 (in lieu of the cam assembly 123).

It is to be appreciated that various different performance parametersfor the bow can be determined from the data from the onboard monitoringdevices (e.g., by the controller 186 and/or the computing device (e.g.,36)). Various examples of these performance parameters will now bedescribed.

The exit velocity of an arrow or bolt can be determined by measuring therotational velocity of the cam assembly 124 relative to the geometry ofthe bow (e.g., from the IMU 184 and/or the strain gage(s)) when the bowis fired).

The draw length of the bow can be determined by measuring the angularposition of the cam assembly 124 relative to the geometry of the bowwhen the arrow is drawn back.

The draw time of the bow can be determined by measuring the elapsed timefor the cam assembly 124 to rotate from a relaxed position to a firingposition (e.g., the position of peak rotation of the cam assembly 124).

The draw hold time of the bow can be determined by measuring the amountof time the cam assembly 124 remains in the firing position.

The kinetic energy of the arrow or bolt can be calculated by measuringthe exit velocity of the arrow from the bow (e.g., from image datagenerated by the camera) relative to the mass of the arrow. In oneembodiment, the mass of the arrow can be predetermined and known to thecontroller 186 and/or the computing device (e.g., through manual entry).

Statistical information about the bow can be collected over time bylogging data from the onboard monitoring devices (e.g., in the memory188) when the bow is being used. In one embodiment, the data can belogged based upon the time and location data generated by the GPS unit.

The spatial positioning of the bow can be determined by measuring thethree-dimensional motion of the bow (e.g., from the motion datagenerated by the IMU 184) when the bow is fired. In one embodiment, thespatial positioning can be used to detect bow stability, arrowtrajectory, and/or rotation of the bow.

The location of the bow can be detected from the GPS unit (e.g., with asmartphone) substantially in real time, which can aid in finding the bowwhen its location is unknown (e.g., when it is stolen). When a user ishunting with the bow, the location of the bow can be transmitted toother hunters in the area (e.g., via a smartphone). The other hunters inthe area that are equipped with a GPS unit (e.g., a bow mounted GPS unitor a smartphone) can transmit their location(s) to the user such thatthe location of all of the hunters can accordingly be tracked on adigital map (e.g., from a smartphone) and an alert can be sent to otherhunters in their vicinity.

It is to be appreciated that the onboard monitoring devices canfacilitate diagnosis of an abnormal condition on the archery bow. Whenan abnormal condition occurs, the smartphone (e.g., 36) can notify theuser of the abnormal condition and, in some embodiments, can suggest asolution for correcting the abnormal condition. In some embodiments, athird party can be additionally or alternatively notified to facilitateadministration of a warranty program. It is to be appreciated thatdiagnosis of an abnormal condition on the bow can encourage a propermaintenance schedule for the bow.

A method for detecting a dry fire event (i.e., when the string on thebow is released without an arrow or bolt) on the bow will now bedescribed. A dry fire event can be determined by measuring therotational velocity of at least one of the cam assemblies 124 relativeto the bow limb 114. The velocity of the cam assembly 124 can becompared to a threshold dry fire rotational velocity value. When the bowis dry fired, the velocity of at least one of the cam assemblies 124 canexceed the threshold dry fire rotational velocity value. When thisoccurs, the smartphone (e.g., 36) can log the dry fire even in thememory 188 (e.g., for later retrieval by a manufacturer) and/or cannotify the manufacturer of the dry fire event in substantially real timeto facilitate administration of a warranty program.

A method for determining the health of the bow string 126 and/or the bowlimbs (e.g., 114) will now be described. The health of the bow string126 and/or the bow limbs (e.g., 114) can be determined by comparing theangular displacement of at least one of the cam assemblies 124 (e.g.,the difference in the angular position of the cam assembly 124 asdetected from the anchoring lug 156) over time when the bow string 126is drawn from a relaxed position and into a firing position. Tofacilitate such analysis, the angular displacement of at least one ofthe cam assemblies 124 can be periodically stored in memory 188 (e.g.,as historical angular displacement data) when the bow string 126 isdrawn from a relaxed position and into a firing position. Each detectedangular displacement can then be compared to the historical angulardisplacement data to determine how much the angular displacement of thecam assembly 124 varies over time. The change in the angulardisplacement of the cam assembly 124 over time can be compared to athreshold angular displacement value. When the integrity of the bowstring 126 has been compromised (e.g., due to excessive wear or damage)and/or the integrity of the bow limbs 114 has been compromised, theangular displacement of the cam assemblies 124 can be reduced and canthus fall beneath the threshold angular displacement value. When thisoccurs, the smartphone (e.g., 36) can notify the user that the bowstring 126 and/or bow limb 114 is damaged or worn out and thus needs tobe replaced. In some embodiments, a third party can be additionally oralternatively notified to facilitate administration of a warrantyprogram.

Another method for determining the health of the bow limbs (e.g., 114)will now be described. The health of the bow limbs (e.g., 114) can bedetermined by detecting the strain on the bow limbs (e.g., from thestrain gage 32) during use of the bow. The strain on the bow limbs(e.g., 114) can be compared to a threshold strain failure value. Whenthe integrity of the bow limbs 114 has been compromised, the strain onthe bow limbs 114 can be reduced and can thus fall beneath the thresholdstrain failure value. When this occurs, the smartphone (e.g., 36) cannotify the user that the bow limb 114 is damaged or worn out and thusneeds to be replaced. In some embodiments, a third party can beadditionally or alternatively notified to facilitate administration of awarranty program.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cam assembly 224 thatis similar to, or the same as in many respects as, the cam assembly 124illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. For example, the cam assembly 224 can includea cam body 244 that includes a central portion 246, an outer ringportion 248, and a plurality of web members 250 that extend between thecentral portion 246 and the outer ring portion 248. The cam assembly 224can also include an anchoring lug 228 that is coupled with the cam body244. However, the anchoring lug 228 can be devoid of a strain gage orother monitoring device that is capable of detecting the tension on anassociated bow string (e.g., 26, 126). Instead, the cam assembly 224 caninclude a strain gage 279 that is disposed on one of the web members 250and is configured to detect a tension on the bow string (e.g., 26, 126)or bow cord (e.g., 31, 131) from the web member 250. In particular, theweb member 250 can comprise an outer surface 281 and the strain gage 279can be affixed to the outer surface 281, such as with adhesive forexample. It is to be appreciated that although a strain gage isdescribed above, any of a variety of suitable alternative strain sensorscan be implemented on the web member 250 and configured to detect astrain on the web member 250, such as, for example, a Hall effectsensor, a capacitive sensor, or a resistive sensor.

It is to be appreciated that although a crossbow is described above, thesystem, devices, and methods described herein can be utilized on anyarchery bow, such as a compound bow (e.g., a vertical/upright compoundbow), a long bow, or a recurve bow, for example. For example, a compoundbow 310 is illustrated in FIG. 11 and can include a strain gage 332, anaccelerometer 338, and a camera 340 that are in communication with asmartphone 336. The strain gage 332, the smartphone 336, theaccelerometer 338, and the camera 340 can be similar to or the same asin many respects as the strain gage 32, the smartphone 36, theaccelerometer 38, and the camera 40, respectively, illustrated in FIG.1.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed and others will be understood by thoseskilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described forillustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, notlimited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can beemployed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended that thescope be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methodsclaimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is describedin conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unlessotherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicitordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not implythat those steps must be performed in the order presented and may beperformed in a different order or in parallel.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cam assembly for an archery bow, the camassembly comprising: a cam body; and an anchoring lug coupled with thecam body and comprising: an anchor member coupled with the cam body; anouter shroud movably coupled with the anchor member; and a force sensorconfigured to facilitate detection of tension on a bow cord coupled withthe anchoring lug based upon a position of the outer shroud relative tothe anchor member.
 2. The cam assembly of claim 1 wherein the forcesensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.
 3. The cam assembly of claim 1wherein: the anchoring lug further comprises a pair of bellows members;each bellows member of the pair of bellows members is coupled with eachof the anchor member and the outer shroud; and each bellows member ofthe pair of bellows members is selectively deformable to facilitateslidable coupling of the outer shroud with the anchor member.
 4. The camassembly of claim 3 wherein the anchor member, the outer shroud, and thepair of bellows members cooperate to define a compartment and the forcesensor is disposed in the compartment.
 5. The cam assembly of claim 1wherein the outer shroud defines an outer groove.
 6. The cam assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the cam body further defines a receptacle and theanchoring lug is disposed within the receptacle.
 7. The cam assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a wireless communication module incommunication with the force sensor and configured to wirelesslytransmit tension data from the force sensor to a remote source.
 8. Thecam assembly of claim 1 wherein the cam body comprises a centralportion, an outer ring portion, and at least one web member that extendsbetween the central portion and the outer ring portion.
 9. An archerybow comprising: a limb attachment member; a pair of bow limbs, each bowlimb of the pair of bow limbs being coupled with the limb attachmentmember; a cam assembly pivotally coupled with one bow limb of the pairof bow limbs, the cam assembly comprising: a cam body; and an anchoringlug coupled with the cam body and comprising: a force sensor; an anchormember coupled with the cam body; and an outer shroud movably coupledwith the anchor member; and a bow cord coupled with the anchoring lugand routed along the outer shroud, wherein the force sensor isconfigured to facilitate detection of tension on the bow cord as afunction of force imparted to the force sensor from the bow cord. 10.The archery bow of claim 9 wherein the force sensor comprises a Halleffect sensor.
 11. The archery bow of claim 9 wherein the bow cordcomprises one of a bow string and a bow cable.
 12. The archery bow ofclaim 9 wherein: the anchoring lug further comprises a pair of bellowsmembers; each bellows member of the pair of bellows members is coupledwith each of the anchor member and the outer shroud; and each bellowsmember of the pair of bellows members is selectively deformable tofacilitate slidable coupling of the outer shroud with the anchor member.13. The archery bow of claim 12 wherein the anchor member, the outershroud, and the pair of bellows members cooperate to define acompartment and the force sensor is disposed in the compartment.
 14. Thearchery bow of claim 9 wherein the outer shroud defines an outer groove.15. The archery bow of claim 9 wherein the cam body further defines areceptacle and the anchoring lug is disposed within the receptacle. 16.The archery bow of claim 9 further comprising a wireless communicationmodule in communication with the force sensor and configured towirelessly transmit tension data from the force sensor to a remotesource.
 17. The archery bow of claim 9 wherein the cam body comprises acentral portion, an outer ring portion, and at least one web member thatextends between the central portion and the outer ring portion.
 18. Thearchery bow of claim 9 wherein the archery bow comprises a cross bow.